Give It Up! DJ Spinna: the Wonder-full mix

Once more we Give It Up for a legendinho passing through Shanghai this weekend, NYC's finest, DJ Spinna. Knowledge courtesy of Loke!

As an avid record collector during the mid-90s independent hiphop explosion, I came across a few production credits from DJ Spinna. One of the first was as the producer of The Jigmastas and later hearing his beats for lyrical giants like Eminem, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and Pharaohe Monch. He produced timeless classics with the likes of J-Live, Mr. Complex and The Polyrhythm Addicts and collaborated with hip-hop legends like Sadat X & Grand Puba of Brand Nubian, Masta Ace, Guru, and The Jungle Brothers. At the same time, Spinna built a reputation as a crucial remixer reworking major label hits for the likes of De La Soul, Das EFX, and MC Eiht.

A quick look at his back catalogue shows collabos with some prominent underground disc jockeys like Evil Dee, Rich Medina, and Bobbito Garcia. Known for super clean mixes and compilations, his record,The Wonder Of Stevie Melody Man with Bobbito brought together both artists enthusiasm and reverence for Stevie Wonder.

This love for the American superstar's music eventually became a monthly party in New York City, basically a chance to mix their vast collection of Stevie Wonder songs either written, produced, sampled, covered or performed by. When they first started their DJ night together they were surprised to see the turnout for a vinyl-only theme night dedicated to only one artist. Their Wonderfull parties would eventually become so popular that they ended up taking it to such faraway places like France, Germany, and even Toronto.

Their gig at Revival was a highlight of that hot Toronto summer, the duo's first appearance in Canada. I was pleasantly surprised at the incredible vibe they created, and everybody was there to get down and shake a leg. Stevie Wonder's hits went over the best, but I enjoyed the pleasant surprises like The Spinner's, It's A Shame, blasting over the speakers educating the crowd to Wonder's immense catalogue of production credits.

What he has planned for Shanghai this Saturday will most certainly contain Stevie Wonder's music along with some more gems from his deep crates. Plan on bringing a decent pair of comfortable dancing shoes and let's hope it's a sweaty, summer affair in Shelter, a night we could be talking about for months to come.

For more information on DJ Spinna check out his website, www.djspinna.com.